**PlayStation’s Move to Close Bluepoint Games: Fallout Among Fans and the Anticipated Release of Marathon**
On February 19, 2026, Sony declared the shutdown of Bluepoint Games, a highly regarded studio celebrated for its exceptional remakes and remasters. This decision ignited considerable uproar within the gaming community, especially as it coincided with the upcoming launch of Bungie’s live-service extraction shooter, Marathon, set to debut on March 5. The timing has heightened frustrations among PlayStation gamers, with some now threatening to boycott both Marathon and any future live-service titles from Sony.
The closure of Bluepoint has been linked to Sony’s ongoing reevaluation of its live-service strategy. This includes the shelving of a rumored God of War online spin-off and the dismissal of various project proposals from the studio. The shutdown of Bluepoint has disappointed not just fans but also fellow developers who admired the studio’s contributions. This negative sentiment has been amplified as the release of Marathon draws near.
The official PlayStation Twitter account recently put out a promotional tweet highlighting the forthcoming launch of Marathon and the availability of a free beta test from February 26 to March 2. However, the feedback in the comments section presented a starkly different picture from the intended enthusiasm. Numerous players expressed outrage over Bluepoint’s closure, with some pledging to completely boycott Marathon. Comments ranged from requests for refunds on pre-orders to forecasts of the game’s failure due to Sony’s recent decisions. Players shared sentiments like, “This game will be a huge flop for you guys!” and “I’m definitely not playing this out of spite.”
The growing number of complaints, with over 1,900 replies to the promotional tweet by February 20, illustrates a community profoundly affected by the events surrounding Bluepoint. While YouTube comments are generally less confrontational, they still convey expressions of discontent and declarations of intent to boycott.
It’s uncertain how this backlash will influence the launch success of Marathon. Traditionally, many gamers who claim to boycott a popular title end up engaging with it regardless. Casual players, who may not be as informed about the news regarding Bluepoint’s closure or its implications, may still choose to play new releases like Marathon without awareness of the controversy.
Nonetheless, for the committed player base that thrives on community discussions and real-time information, the closing of Bluepoint may be a critical point of contention. Many of these players fear that the pivot toward live-service games, combined with the disappearance of a studio renowned for its dedication and quality, could indicate an unwelcome trajectory for PlayStation’s future offerings.
As the gaming community anticipates the arrival of Marathon, it remains to be seen whether this collective dissatisfaction will lead to significant repercussions for the game. What is evident is that Bluepoint’s fate has struck a chord, emphasizing an ongoing schism between traditional gaming experiences and the new wave of live-service titles being propelled by major publishers like Sony.
